Do you have peace of mind that your home will be safe in the event of a major rainstorm? Perma-Seal has you covered! We put together a checklist and our recommendations to get your home, and yourself, ready for inclement weather that may lie ahead.

Have you tested your primary sump pump to ensure it’s working properly? You can do this by either slowly pouring water into the sump basin, or by lifting the float switch by hand for a few short seconds.Do you have a battery backup sump pump? (If not, please contact us for a free estimate!) If your primary sump pump does not have power, it won’t be able to displace water when you need it the most and that’s where the battery backup comes in! To check your battery backup, locate the battery and verify that it’s charged.Are your downspouts extended far enough away from your home’s foundation? Ensure your downspouts are extended between six and eight feet from the foundation of your home.When was the last time you walked around your home’s foundation? While outside, clear debris from your window well drains, and make sure the window well covers are on tight.

Too much water around your home’s foundation commonly ends in seepage, flooding, loss of valuables, money, and your time. These wet conditions also create the unfortunate habitat for mold and mildew, which pose health concerns to you and your family. If you need help, call the experts at Perma-Seal for a free inspection at 800-421-7325.

This Q&A is one in a series of articles about the business executives who help guide your BBB. This is an edited transcript of an interview with Roy Spencer, president of Perma-Seal Basement Systems, Immediate Past Chair of the BBB, and a member of the Executive Committee of the BBB Board of Directors.

The heart and soul of every waterproofing system is the sump pump. Basically, a sump pump is an appliance that pumps water out away from your home, thereby preventing water build-up and floods.

While a home’s sump pump should ideally be checked everyday, we all know that’s not possible. Instead, try to check if it’s working as it should before any major storm. At the minimum, your sump pump should be check thoroughly at least once a year.

Known as The Windy City, Chicago is the third most populous city in the US and is renowned for its cultural contributions in the visual arts, novels, film, theater and music. Despite it's harsh weather, where winters are cold, summers are hot, and thunderstorms are common in summer and spring, Chicago residents know how to live well.

However, living well often means making sure your home is in tip top shape, as well. Given the weather, many homes experience basement leaks and floods, which can cause more than just headaches.

Part of the top 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois, Hinsdale is known for its beautiful residences and rolling, wooded landscapes. A teardown culture exists here, with over 30% of homes being new rebuilds.

If you are planning to rebuild your home, be sure to not neglect the basement. It may be the least celebrated of rooms in your home, but it serves a purpose with the potential to be more.

A village in Cook County, Illinois, Arlington Heights is home to the Arlington Race Track and has a population of about 75,000. A suburb of Chicago, it shares the same weather patterns of the Windy City, that is cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms - which are common during spring and summer.

These weather conditions can be a problem for most homeowners, especially in their basements where flooding can occur. While basement flooding isn't caused solely by the weather – it can be caused by damaged pipes and a rising water table. It's a problem that can cause more than just a headache.

One of several municipalities on the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois that's home to about 30,000 people. It is the site of several landmark structures from prominent architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Willits House.

Your home may not be as iconic as the above, but it still deserves proper protection from the elements. Most especially, the least visible of rooms, the basement.

Located in DuPage County, Illinois, Willowbrook is a small village with a population of just about 9,000. Situated just about 23 miles from Chicago, Willowbrook shares the same weather and climate of the Windy City.

With families slowly getting larger and land becoming more expensive, not many Willowbrook residents can afford buying more space to expand their houses. So many look down into their basement.

A village in Illinois, Downers Grove was named number 8 by Forbes in its list of America's Friendliest Towns, and was CNN's number 5 in its Best Places for a Healthy Retirement list due to its parks and number of doctors and hospitals.

However, there's one source of health risks that most homeowners tend to overlook in their basements, and these are basement wall cracks. How can basement wall cracks be health risks? Simple. Cracks can let water into basements, which can cause moisture issues and high humidity. These are perfect conditions for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow, which are the main causes of health risks from damp basements.

Known for the Arlington Park Race Track and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County in Illinois that has a population of about 75,000. The most populous 'village' in the US, Arlington Heights had a population boom in the 1950s and 1960s that coincided with the spread of automobiles.

However, with an annual precipitation of 38.25 inches a year, and a climate that includes cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms being common during spring and summer, many residents usually find their basements flooded.

The second most populated city in the state of Illinois, Aurora was once a moderately-sized manufacturing city that has grown to become one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Also called the "City of Lights," due to it being one of the first cities in the US to use electric street lights, the city is also culturally diverse due to it being inclusive and tolerant to immigrants.

Residents, however, often find their simple and quiet lives shaken with basement flooding. This is due in part of the city's annual precipitation of about 40 inches and being prone to heavy snowfalls and blizzards in the winter.

Part of the top 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois, Hinsdale is known for its rolling topography and beautiful homes. But no matter how beautiful a home is, if the basement is waterlogged and full of problems, living in the home can be an unpleasant experience.

Basements with moisture-issues tend to cause a variety of problems that range from simple to serious. From rot in wooden posts, and damaged appliances, to weakened home foundations and health risks brought about by mold and mildew growth, moisture-issues in basements cannot be ignored.

Part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois with a population just shy of 30,000. It's also home to several landmark structures by notable architects, including the Willits House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

But not all homes are blessed to be designed by legends, and many Highland Park homes tend to suffer from wet basements as a result either of bad planning, bad luck, or just regular wear and tear.

Hinsdale is a village in Illinois known for its beautiful residences. Part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Hinsdale has a rolling, wooded topography and is in the 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois.

However, despite the wealth and beautiful homes, underground – basements in particular – things can get nasty. A home's basement is probably one of the more overlooked rooms in a home, and as such, is prone to neglect. Cracks are left alone, small puddles may be left to dry on their own, and, unless the basement has been converted into something more than a basement, any mold, mildew or fungi that grows is left undetected, as well.

A village in DuPage County, Lombard is a suburb of Chicago that's known for its annual Lilac Festival – a 16-day festival that includes lilac-themed events, concerts, fairs, and more. For such a fragrant celebration, it's nice to think that Lombard is always full of flowery cheer. However, residents have to cope with common house problems, much like everyone else - problems such as basement seepage.

Basement seepage occurs when water starts to come into your basement through various passages. It can be from the cracks in your walls or floors, from damaged gutters, or from a rising water table. It can also be caused by the land your house is on not sloping away from the foundation. The causes are numerous, but the results are the same, basements have a tendency to experience seepage, and it's up to you to prevent it.

The third most populous city in the US, Chicago's metropolitan are, called Chicagoland, is home to 9.5 million people. A cultural powerhouse that has contributions in visual arts, films, novels, theater, and music, Chicago is also known as "The Windy City" and has pro teams in each major professional league.

Large and windy, Chicago residents also find themselves at the mercy of its extreme weather changes. Summers can be hot, winters freezing, while thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. These weather changes can wreck havoc in basements, causing moisture issues and, at times, flooding.

Elk Grove Village – a municipality in Illinois with a population of 33,127, as the name suggests, it is home to a herd of elk in a grove at Busse Woods. It is also home to Alexian Brothers Medical Center (ABMC), CitiGroup, Pepsi Cola Distribution and the headquarters of United Airlines.

Unfortunately, Elk Grove Village is also home to many waterlogged basements. Despite being composed of just 0.07 square miles of water, many basements in the area suffer from basement moisture issues due to high water tables, damaged pipes, and weather conditions.

What was once a quaint farming town, Naperville has grown and evolved to become an affluent city, being named the eleventh wealthiest in the nation. A suburban city of Chicago in Illinois, Naperville shares Chicago's extreme weather conditions and has a precipitation of 38.86 inches a year.

With hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer, it's no surprise that Naperville homeowners often deal with wet basements. Though wet basements can be caused by other factors other than the weather – such as damaged pipes, a rising water table, or even backed up sewers – the fact remains that Naperville residents often look for ways to control this wetness.

Known for Arlington Race Track, home of the Arlington Million, Arlington Heights in Illinois is also the most populous 'village' in the US. The rise of automobile use in the 1950s and 1960s led to this population explosion, and as a result, Arlington Heights also had a development boom in condos, restaurants, and businesses.

Despite the progress (or because of it), Arlington Heights residents still experience the same household problems that plague homeowners. One of these is having moisture issues in their basements.

Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois and is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. It is also home to the Ravinia Festival, an open-air pavilion that hosts classical, pop, and jazz concerts during the summer. Additionally, the municipality has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936. Also noted for its landmark structures, you can find Frank Lloyd Wright's Willits House and many other homes designed by prominent architects.

Highland Park residents may not live in homes worthy of landmark status, but it is their own castle and thus should be treated as such. Unfortunately, nature does not discriminate, which makes basement water problems a common occurrence in the area.

Chicago, Illinois is also known as the "Windy City." Its weather plays at the extremes with hot summer, freezing winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. Weather changes such as this can cause problems with any home, especially basements where leaks can occur.

Basement leaks are the result of many factors. Weather is one factor; precipitation can seep through the ground and walls, causing moisture issues in basements. Broken pipes are another cause of basement leak. Even the water table can contribute to a leaky basement if steps aren't taken to prevent it.

Temperatures are on the rise in the Chicago area, and while it means that going outside is a little more bearable, it also means that the snow is starting to melt. This melting snow means wet basements for a lot of homeowners in the region. This basement moisture can cause serious damage if left neglected for too long. In fact, it could cause the development of nasty mold and mildew. This could make your family really sick. What's more is that this basement moisture could cause serious problems for the structural integrity of your home.

Wet basements cause wooden materials to rot, warp, decay, and deteriorate. This means that your wooden support beams and floor joists are going to start rotting away. These materials are partially responsible for holding up the weight of your home, so it's important that they are strong, stable, and in relatively good shape.

A suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights in Illinois is best known for being the home of the Arlington Million, a Breeder's Cup qualifying event, held at the Arlington Park Race Track. Sharing the same weather as Chicago, Arlington's annual precipitation is at 38.25 inches. It may not seem much, but it's enough to leave many basements flooded, or at least, cause moisture issues. Basement moisture can cause a ton of headaches for the homeowner. It can ruin appliances and electronics, cause wooden posts to rot, destroy the foundation, and even cause health issues due to mold and mildew growth.

Along the shore of Lake Michigan, part of the Chicago metropolitan area, sits Lake Forest. A city in Lake County, Illinois, it has been named a Tree City USA due to its commitment to its community forest. However, there are days when even the profusion of trees can't soak up all the water from precipitation, and basements end up getting flooded.

Granted, precipitation is not the only reason for basement flooding, broken pipes and a rising water table are also culprits. The fact of the matter is, many Lake County basements experience some sort of flooding, which can be a pain. This is why a majority of homes with basements and crawl spaces in Lake County have sump pumps installed. Basically, a sump pump sucks out water from your basement and pumps it away the house. But what happens if it fails?

Aurora in Illinois, has seen tremendous growth in the past 50 years. It has been ranked consistently since 2000 as one of the fastest growing cities in the US. With an annual precipitation of 40 inches, and with floods occurring in the Fox River valley and Blackberry Creek areas, Aurora basements have a tendency to be humid the whole year round.

Humid basements can foster the growth of fungi and mold, which can become lead to health issues if left untreated. Humidity can also damage electronic appliances and cause wood rot and weakening foundations.

Aurora, Illinois is the second more populated city in the state and is home to many architectural gems from Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies can der Rohe, Bruce Goff, and George Grant Elmslie. With all the grand architecture in the state, ironically, many residents suffer from wet basements due to shoddy architecture. Though there are many reasons why basements get wet, whatever the cause may be, it is important to have it waterproofed.

A wet basement can cause many issues. From damaged belongings in storage, weakened foundations, and even health issues due to mold and mildew growth. More than just a headache, a wet basement can cause serious damage if left unaddressed.

A suburb of Cook County, Illinois, Arlington Heights is known for the Arlington Park Race Track, and is home of the Arlington Million which is a Breeder's Cup qualifying event. The area gets about 38.25 inches of precipitation a year and many residents experience some moisture issues in their basement.

A basement that is prone to moisture is susceptible to a lot of problems. Your personal belongings stored here and HVAC systems can get damaged, the home's foundation can deteriorate, wooden posts can rot, and mildew, fungi, and mold can flourish causing many health hazards.

One of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan, Evanston is a suburban city located in Cook County, Illinois. It has been known by a variety of nicknames over the years, from "The City of Churches" to "E-Town" and "Da Town." And like every other town, residents of Evanston also suffer from flooded or moisture-laden basements.

A basement that floods, or has moisture problems, can cause various issues in your home both structurally and health-wise. It can deteriorate your foundation, ruin your belongings stored here, cause allergies, and other serious problems. Thus, waterproofing your basement is a worthwhile investment that can save you a fortune in future repairs and health costs.

A city in Cook and Kane counties in Illinois, Elgin is the eighth largest city in the state with a population of 109,297. Lying along the Fox River, it isn't hard to imagine that many residents have to deal with flooded basements and crawl spaces during the wet seasons of the year - which begs the question, "how is water getting into my basement?"

Water may be getting into your basement via different avenues. It can come from the water table rising up and seeping through the floor, or it can be caused by rain water coming from your home's rain gutter spouts. It can be caused by the grade of your yard not sloping away from your home, or by cracks in the walls or non-sealed windows.

Elmhurst is a city in DuPage and Cook counties in Illinois, with a population of 44,121. Home to famed Elmhurst College and is the site of the Keebler Company's corporate headquarters, Elmhurst has a lot to be proud of. However, with all the wonderful things that keep Elmhurst residents busy everyday, it should be asked: when was the last time you had your sump pump checked? Will it be ready for the next big rain? When it rains, basements and crawl spaces are usually inundated with water and moisture. A flooded basement or crawl space can cause numerous problems in a home, such as deterioration of the foundation, mold and fungi growth, and the moisture can cause a musty smell that wafts throughout the house.

One of the main tools to help prevent this flooding is the sump pump. By pumping water from the basement to a safe place outside, basements and crawl spaces don't need to be moist or flooded every time it rains - but is your pump working like it should?

Named recently by Forbes Magazine as the eighth Friendliest Town in America, Downers Grove - a village in DuPage County, Illinois, has one of the nation's most educated citizenry and is number 5 in CNN's Best Places for a Healthy Retirement List. To continue being a healthy retirement place though, residents must know what basement seepage is, and if it is lurking underneath their homes. Why? Basement seepage can cause a myriad of problems that range from structural issues to issues for your family’s health. In a nutshell, basement seepage occurs when water and moisture find their way into a home's basement. This is a reason for concern because excess moisture can lead to mold and fungal growth, as well as deterioration of your home's foundation, among other problems. Mold and fungi can lead to health problems, while floods can deteriorate wooden floor joists and support beams, cause rust to form in steel constructs, and ruin appliances and other items stored in the basement. Solutions to Basement Seepage If your home has basement seepage, you might need some expert help. Calling a Perma-Seal professional will ensure you find the source of your basement's seepage problem and cure it. A professional can determine if the seepage comes from the floor or the walls, if the water is coming from the gutters or the water table underneath, and they can also provide solutions to prevent basement seepage from ever happening again. Solutions can range from a simple installation of a sump pump or a drainage system, or it can mean rerouting the gutters, or filling the cracks in the walls and floor. Benefits to Downers Grove Homeowners A dry and water-free basement means you don't have to worry about you and your family's health, or if your home’s foundation is intact, or if the appliances and other stuff you have in the basement are free from rust and flooding. If you want the peace of mind that comes with a dry basement, call Perma-Seal today.

With a population of just 22,000, Darien is a city in DuPage County, Illinois that was named for a town in Connecticut. Its motto is "A nice place to live," which Back to the Future fans would recognize as the same motto as the fictitious "Hill Valley." For Darien residents, to ensure your home continues to be a nice place to live in, be sure your sump pump is in good working order. Sump pumps have very crucial jobs, without which, basements and crawl spaces would be flooded, causing all kinds of havoc in your home. From deteriorating your home's foundations, to becoming a breeding ground for mold, to being a literal cesspool of critter waste and other nasty stuff. Without a sump pump, it's very likely you would be living in a home that's full of floating disease carriers, and its foundations would be weakening as time goes by. Solutions to Raising Sump Pump Awareness Do you know how old your sump pump is? Was it already installed when you moved in? Sump pumps usually have a 10-year lifespan, so if you suspect yours has been around longer than a decade, maybe it's time to replace it. If you moved in recently, and have no idea when the existing sump pump was installed, you can inquire with the previous owner or landlord. However, just to be on the safe side, you can check the pump yourself to see if it still works. All you need to do is get a bucket of water, open the sump pump, and pour the water into the catch bin. If the pump starts working, then all is good. But, if the water starts to overflow, then you need to have the pump checked. If you need help with your sump pump, be sure to call Perma-Seal. They can help make sure your pumps are working, help install new ones and back up pumps, and give you a few pointers on how to properly maintain them. Benefits to Darien Homeowners Having a working sump pump, as well as a reliable back up, will ensure your basement or crawl space won’t ever get flooded. A dry basement protects your home from premature degradation and keeps you and your family's health safe from mold, fungi and other airborne particles. So be safe and healthy, make sure your sump pump is reliable and working. Call Perma-Seal today.

Carpentersville, a village in Kane County, Illinois with a population of about 38,000, is not a high profile city with high profile problems. However, that doesn't mean its homes are problem-free. An average summer here receives over a foot of rain, and if left unchecked, Carpentersville homes' basements can be inundated with water. Despite being out of sight and out of mind, the sump pump is probably the hardest working piece of appliance you have. Working non-stop during the wet days will wear down these mechanical marvels, and thus, it may cause them to eventually fail. So, how can you protect your home? Solutions to Preventing Sump Pump Failure Sump pumps should be checked at least a couple of times each year to ensure proper operation. This can be done by simply pouring some water in the sump pit until the pump begins to cycle. It only takes a couple of minutes and is a very easy process. Don't wait for the waters to come in to find out if your pump works, so take the extra effort to check it every once in awhile. The average life of a sump pump is 10 years, so if yours has exceeded this lifespan, it is best to have it replaced immediately. Also, it is a good idea to have a battery operated back up sump pump installed to make sure you have a second defense measure in case your primary pump fails. To help you replace and install your sump pump (whether primary or back up), call Perma-Seal today! Benefits to Carpentersville Homeowners If a sump pump fails in the midst of a rainstorm, your basement can be flooded with hundreds of gallons of water. It only takes a little bit of water to cause thousands of dollars in damage - especially since your furnace, water heater, and other mechanical and electrical devices can be affected. By making sure your pump works, or having it replaced with a back up installed, you effectively protect not just your basement, but all the other appliances you have in your basement.

Calumet City, locally referred to as "Cal City," was founded in 1892 and is a city in Cook County, Illinois. It lies on the west side of the Illinois-Indiana border from Hammond, Indiana. Though the geography of Cal City is made up of just 1.64% water, many residents are still plagued with leaky basements. Leaky basements can cause many problems, mainly problems which include degradation of the foundation, musty smells, and the growth of mold and fungi which can also cause health problems. Solutions for a Leaky Basement If you are one of the many who want to fix their leaky basement once and for all, the first step is to find the source of moisture. This can come from outside or within, so Perma-Seal will be sure to check thoroughly. We will also check your house gutters to make sure water is diverted away from the foundation of the house. Also, we will look out for cracks in the wall or floor since water might seep in through them. Benefits for Calumet City Homeowners The main benefit of having your leaky basement fixed is peace of mind. Peace of mind in knowing that your home's foundations are safe, you and your family's health are protected from mold and fungi, and you don't have to worry about any musty smells in the future. Get yourself some much-needed peace of mind today and call a Perma-Seal professional to stop your basement form leaking.

The home of Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, Cicero, IL is an incorporated town in Cook County, Illinois with a population of 83,891. Named after the town of Cicero, New York, its etymology can be traced to the Roman statesman and orator, Marcus Tullius Cicero. For its residents, the question of whether backup sump pumps are necessary may seem trivial, but when you think about it, is as important as anything in Cicero, IL!

Sump pumps play an important role in anyone's home. Especially for those prone to basement flooding, a sump pump can mean the difference between a ruined foundation or a happy home. The question remains, is a battery back up sump pump necessary? Let us answer that question with another question: in case of basement flooding, if your primary sump pump fails, what would you do? Backup Sump Pump Solutions If your primary sump pump fails, it's worth the investment to have a back up ready. Battery powered backups are perfect, especially when there's a power outage, but be sure you keep them charged and powered lest your backup fails too. The best way to set-up a backup pump is to utilize a battery powered pump with a trickle charger – that is, a charger that continuously charges its batteries once the voltage drops, and cuts off power when fully charged to prevent overcharging. This ensures that even in power failures, your back up batteries are fully charged and ready to go. Benefits to Cicero Homeowners The benefits of having a battery back up sump pump extends to more than just having a water-free basement. Perhaps, most importantly, is peace of mind. When there's a power outage in the middle of a storm, you'll have one less thing to worry about, and that alone is worth the price of admission – so to say! To learn more about backup sump pumps and to find out the perfect setup for your home, contact a Perma-Seal professional today.

One of the more affluent Illinois cities, Wheaton is located in Milton and Winfield townships with a population of about 52,894. Despite being listed as one of the 25 highest earning towns in the United States by Money Magazine, problems of water in Wheaton home basements remain.

The question now is, how is this possible? First of all, flooding of basements can happen to anyone, anytime, so it's not worth feeling bad about. Being the lowest level of a home or building, it's plain physics that basements are prone to flooding which can be caused by seepage or water flow through basement walls or floors. If you see visible dampness or trickles of water near or on the wall and floor, it's time to call in the basement waterproofing professionals. In cases like these, DIY solutions may not work. Sometimes, it can make things worse, especially if you don't find the cause of the problem. Causes can range from water being forced by gravity to find the lowest part of the house, or it can be cause by inefficient gutter downspouts, an improper roof slope, clogged window wells, or a high water table that forces water up through your basement cove.

Arlington Heights, a beautiful suburb nestled on the outskirts of Chicago, IL, is well known for the Arlington Park Race Track and is the Arlington Million – a Breeder's Cup qualifying event. But no matter how nice an area is, home problems like wet basements still arise. And Arlington Heights is no exception. Due to it’s location geographically and it’s proximity to the Des Plaines River, many homeowners often experience seepage or even municipal sewer backup during heavy rainstorms. And when you experience these kinds of issues in your home, no doubt you wonder how that water got there in the first place!

Here are a some of the ways water can make it’s way into your basement:

Buffalo Grove is a beautiful village with a population of about 41,000, and is home to many disc golf courses, swimming pools, lakes, creeks, parks, tennis courts, and much more. There’s also the Raupp Museum, which features many relics from the area's lively past. Many famous individuals hail from Buffalo Grove too, including Vince Vaughn and Ali Cobrin. However, this area has shown throughout the years that it can be prone to flooding during the heavy rainstorms. If you live in this area and are concerned about your basement's moisture problem, be assured there are ways to help relieve your fears and keep your basement dry permanently.

Basement leaks are bad news any way you look at it. Big or small, a basement moisture problem should get taken care of before it turns into a bigger, more costly issue. A leaky basement or crawl space can destroy any personal items you store down there, whether it’s old family heirlooms, picture albums or a nice, finished area of the basement you use as an entertainment area or a play room for the kids. Even worse, it’s proven that the unhealthy air caused by excess water and moisture in your basement will naturally make its way upstairs, decreasing the quality of air throughout your entire home.

Have you ever dealt with the heartache, clean up and damage caused by a a flooded basement? Too often Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana homeowners have to part with ruined family heirlooms, photographs or childhood memories because they were stored downstairs in an unprotected area. Or every rainstorm there are homeowners who invested into finishing their basement, but didn't waterproof the area first, that have to rip out all that dry wall, carpet and furniture because it was destroyed by water that made its way into the home.

Or maybe you're one of the many homeowners who just deals with the water seepage or flooding every time it rains or snow starts to melt on a mild winter day. We've heard many clients who live with water issues say, "it not a big deal, it's just the basement or crawl space and I never even go do there!" Even if you don't have nicely finished basement or may not keep anything valuable downstairs, most people don't realize that basement moisture, regardless of how much or little there is, will cause damage eventually.

If you're experiencing any kind of water seepage, dampness or active leaks in your basement or crawl space, it's time to start searching for local crawl space or basement waterproofing contractors in your area. Even if you're very handy around the house or a big time fan of DIY, most basement waterproofing issues are almost always better left to the professionals. The kinds of repairs, patches and paints that you can purchase at your local hardware store are not permanent and eventually these will fail, once again causing water damage and costly repairs to your home.

The first thing you'll find when you start searching around online is that there are a ton of companies in the Chicagoland area that repair basement or crawl space leaks. Here are a few things to consider when searching for the best company to hire for your basement needs.

Do you have basement water problems in Chicago, IL or Northwest Indiana? If you said yes, then Perma-Seal is local and here to help you! With over 35 years of experience working in the field, you can rest assured knowing your home is in good hands with us.

It's very common for homeowners who have an unfinished basement to ignore any basement seepage, even if it's more than just a little trickle of water on the floor or wall. So many times we've heard our clients say, "Eh, it's just in the basement, I hardly even go down there." But what most people don't realize is that crawl space and basement moisture has devastating effects, and regardless of how much or how little there is, it's going to do damage eventually. A leaky basement has been known to cause:

So, you don't have a finished basement and you live in the Chicagoland or Northwest Indiana area. Then you don't have to worry about making sure that the area is dry, safe, and healthy, right? Wrong! When you have a leaky basement, it's going to make your whole home feel damp and smell musty (kind of like dirty gym socks). Perma-Seal continually stresses to homeowners that regardless of what you use your basement for, you need to make sure that it isn't humid, damp, or growing dangerous mold. That unhealthy air will make it's way upstairs since up to 50% of the air we breathe originates in the lower living space of the home.

Fixing leaky basements is our specialty at Perma-Seal! Regardless of how old or new your home is, we can provide you with both foundation repair and basement waterproofing services and turn this area of your home into a valuable, functional space in no time! We receive plenty of phone calls from concerned Chicago area homeowners who want to know what we can do when it comes to repairing their wet basement problems.

We're glad you asked! This shows that you are truly concerned about the well-being and health of your home, its structural integrity, and your family. You see, a flooded basement doesn't just look bad, but it can cause a lot of problems for the rest of your home, and it can even make your family sick! This is why it's so important to make sure that you contact us whenever you notice a basement leak in your home.

DON’T MISS OUT! Next Tuesday, July 9, is the deadline to register for FEMA assistance. Illinoisans who were affected by the April 16 to May 5 severe weather and who have not yet registered for federal disaster assistance have only one week left to call FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to find out if they are eligible for disaster assistance. Visit //www.fema.gov/disaster/4116 for the latest news and to find out where you can go this weekend for valuable information and assistance.

If the weathermen are right, it's going to be a wet week! Is your basement going to stay dry? Sounds like a great reason to call Perma-Seal TODAY and get your sump pump checked! //www.permaseal.net/contact-us.html

We are on a mission to get you to think about your sump pump. That's probably not something you think about every day, but we want to save you from a wet mess in your basement! And when you schedule your FREE estimate before April 30th, you will save 10% on all primary and backup pump systems, as well as ejector pumps.

Floods are one of the most powerful, deadly, and destructive natural disasters.

Like Perma-Seal, the focus of the flood safety awareness message is to educate homeowners and encourage them to be proactive, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their property from water damage.

//www.permaseal.net Roy Spencer, owner and president of Perma-Seal, talks about Perma-Seal products and how dry, healthy basements add useable space and value to your home. Perma-Seal is known best for basement waterproofing. That's because we've been working hard at it for over thirty-four years. We've installed more sump pumps than I can count! Did you know we're also structural foundation repair specialists? Or that we can seal your damp, musty crawl space? And don't forget basement plumbing! You can trust our licensed professionals to get the job done right. Call Perma-Seal today at 800-421-SEAL. Our team is ready to wow you with their expertise and dedication to superior customer service. Whether you're in need of a Crack Repair, a Battery Backup Pump, or your water heater needs replacing, we have an affordable solution for you. The fact is, Perma-Seal is the proven solution.

By Roy Spencer, Perma-Seal The winter holidays are certainly a festive time for many homeowners, but they can also be a particularly tough time for your plumbing and sewer lines. The incorrect disposal of cooking grease, overuse of garbage disposals and improper or excessive disposal of paper waste can resulted in clogged drains and are frequent culprits of pipe-clogging sewer problems during this time of year. If you don’t catch a blockage in time, your household plumbing systems can become inoperable and, what’s worse, raw sewage can back up through toilets, tubs and sinks into your home. Here’s how to avoid trouble with your sewer lines this holiday season:

The nonprofit Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is a Chicago-based think-and-do tank that researches, pilots, and advocates solutions for property owners in towns and cities across the Chicago region that are paying millions of dollars to tackle basement and backyard flooding problems. CNT’s Wetrofit service offers fast track solutions for budget-strapped communities aimed at alleviating this flooding, revitalizing neighborhoods and generating jobs.

CNT has established one of the largest family residential green retrofit programs in the nation and has already been piloted in several communities in the Chicagoland area. However, CNT is now making the case to national leaders for the financing of green infrastructure retrofits, knowing that wetrofitting can offer effective and accountable local services to many other areas throughout the country.

The temperatures in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana have been dropping every week, and that can only mean one thing… winter is right around the corner! While no one wants to think about sub-zero readings or snowstorms just yet, it is a good time to think about getting your home ready for the winter. In fact, autumn is the perfect time to prepare your home for cold weather!

There are several steps you can take to keep your house warmer and healthier. First, make sure your furnace or heating system is cleaned and serviced, as that’s something you really can’t afford to be without. Next, check your attic. Adding insulation to your attic could be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Any ducts, wires or pipes that penetrate the wall, ceiling or floor also have the potential to let the cold in. And don’t forget to check around your doors and windows for leaks or drafts.

Last month, Perma-Seal and our advertising agency, the FORT Group, were invited to attend the 2012 Ad Club Awards Ceremony in New Jersey after being nominated for our recent outdoor billboard campaign. Throughout the evening, a select group of agencies

Perma-Seal Basement Systems’ Sales and Marketing Tribal Members joined the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois for their yearly golf outing on Thursday, August 11th. The 22nd Annual Integrity Golf Classic, presented by the BBB, was held at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois. Perma-Seal’s foursome team was nearly awarded Longest Putt of the Day, but was defeated by mere inches.

Perma-Seal has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and has been awarded their coveted 2016 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. For more information about the BBB, visit www.bbb.org/chicago/.

Do what tens of thousands of other smart homeowners have done and get a backup system for your sump pump. You can't control the weather, prevent a power outage, or predict when a mechanical failure will happen, but a Battery Backup Pump System can get you prepared for all three.

Don't be a victim, take control now. For over 30 years, Perma-Seal has helped thousands of homeowners protect their homes by keeping their basements dry. Our evaluation is free but your peace of mind is priceless. Want some more good news? Call by April 30th, 2012 and you'll receive 10 percent off all primary and backup sump pump systems*.

Do you know how many sump pumps fail?…All of them. And that means water damage in your basement, which leads to headache and heartache for you and your family. However, thousands of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana residents continue to live without a backup for their sump pump system.

At the beginning of every year, we like to hang up a brand new, empty calendar and start filling in those important dates to remember for the upcoming year. We always start with the fun and exciting dates, like anniversaries, birthdays and vacations. However, we also have to remember our yearly appointments to go to the dentist, get the furnace and air conditioning looked at, the fluids in our cars changed, and even your annual physical with your doctor.

While you are writing down all of the necessary things to be checked annually, do not forget about an important part of your home, your basement. A dry, healthy basement is a very valuable asset and is even more vital when you’re basement is finished. The small cost of maintaining your downstairs is nothing compared to the hassle and heartache of cleaning up after it has been flooded with a couple inches of water from a heavy rainstorm.

For the past 32 years Perma-Seal has created happy, healthy basements all over the Chicagoland area. Those basements (and their valuable contents) are very thankful!

Over 250,000 families have trusted Perma-Seal to protect their treasured items, and so should you. Take advantage of our limited time offer. Take 10% off (up to $300) all services purchased by January 31,2012. Some exclusions apply. See your Perma-Seal consultant for complete details. May not be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems have been waterproofing basement in the greater Chicago area for theh past 30 years. Call by June 30, 2011 to receive a free inspection of your basement, and sump pump and you will be entered to win two tickets to Beyond the Ivy. Contact us today at 800-421-SEAL or visit //www.permaseal.net to learn more on how we can help waterproof your basement.

Lou Manfredini, a National Home Improvement Expert, discusses Perma-Seal,Basement Systems of Chicago, about their work with basement waterproofing solutions and sump pump systems . Contact Perma-Seal today at 800-421-SEAL or visit //www.permaseal.net for a free estimate on your wet basement problems.

Perma-Seal talks about basement waterproofing on Chicago's Bring It Home that airs on WGN TV and CLTV throughout the month of March.

Roy Spencer of Perma-Seal talks about the steps to finishing your basement, which starts with a foundation inspection to ensure that there is no water seepage or potential leaks. An adequate sump pump with a battery backup is essential for basement protection, while their Wall Liners can help keep the basement warm and dry by controlling dampness and adding some insulation. The now dry basement can be fitted with waterproof basement flooring and basement windows to give to create the proper setting for a finished basement.

Chicago area homeowners have the opportunity to save 10% on all primary sump pump systems and backup sump pumps with Perma-Seal's March Sump Pump Sale.For more information about basement waterproofing and Sump Pump Systems, contact Perma-Seal at 800-421-SEAL, or through our website at //www.permaseal.net.

Your sump pump is the most important part of your basement waterproofing system, but the fact is, all sump pumps fail. It's not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Chicago area homeowners have the opportunity to save 10% on all primary sump pump systems and backup sump pumps with Perma-Seal's March Sump Pump Sale. For more information about basement waterproofing, sump pump systems, or crawl space repair contact Perma-Seal at 800-421-SEAL, or through our website at //www.permaseal.net.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems is celebrating 31 years of basement waterproofing, foundation repair and crawl space repair in Chicago and the Chicago Metro Area. In celebration of this great accomplishment, and as a thank you to their valued customers, Perma-Seal is taking 10% off of their products and services. The sale begins on January 1, and absolutely ends on January 31, 2011.

Perma-Seal can be reached at 800-421-SEAL, 630-512-0002, or on through their website at www.permaseal.net.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems is celebrating 31 years of basement waterproofing, foundation repair and crawl space repair in Chicago and the Chicago Metro Area. In celebration of this great accomplishment, and as a thank you to their valued customers, Perma-Seal is taking 10% off of their products and services. The sale begins on January 1, and absolutely ends on January 31, 2011.

Perma-Seal can be reached at 800-421-SEAL, 630-512-0002, or on through their website at www.permaseal.net.

During the cold, Chicago winter, most people don’t consider beginning a major project like basement waterproofing. Unless there is a large rain or snowmelt, your basement probably stays dry in the winter months. But did you know that this is the best time of the year to have your basement waterproofed?

There are many Chicagoland basement waterproofing companies, and it is is difficult to know who is the best choice. When your basement is flooded, it is easy to call the first contractor that you find in the phone book. You might be in a desperate situation, but don’t make a decision in a state of panic. This is the number one way to find yourself in this situation again, and in turn, hiring another company to do it right. Take your time and make the right, informed decision on the first time.

With all of the recent storms, rain and flooding that we’ve had recently in the Chicago area, we’ve had a lot of people contact us about their basement. Many called as they saw their basements filling up with water. No one really plans on waiting until their basement is flooded to take action, but it often happens that way. Most people don’t think of their basement flooding, until they are knee-deep in water. Removing water from your basement and cleaning up a big mess can cost a lot of money and be a big headache. You don’t have to spend thousands on a complete basement waterproofing system to make sure that you’re not caught in a bad situation.

On July 16, 2010, Lou Manfredini featured one of Perma-Seal's (Chicago) products on NBC's Today Show (Today's Home). He says that it is a must have when the power goes out, and we couldn't agree more. Ordinary sump pumps fail when a storm causes your home's electrical system to fail. You need a battery backup to back you up. No one wants a flooded basement - make sure that you have a sump pump that will work under any condition.

Heavy rainfall in Chicago means that Perma-Seal is flooded with phone calls. Many Chicago area homeowners are desperate to find a solution to their wet and leaky basement. If you need basement waterproofing work to be done Perma-Seal is Chicago's #1 basement waterproofer.

Many try to find a quick fix to the problem. But there is a great disparity in the quality of repair methods, warranties and pricing. Perma-Seal has worked very hard over the past 30 years to provide the best value. They have done the most permanent repairs and simple, transferable warranties at a fair price.

Two thunderstorms on Friday brought heavy rainfall to the area. With the the overnight rainfall and probability of more storms in the afternoon and evening, many residents in the Chicago Metro area are seeing road closures (including parts of the Eisenhower and Kennedy Expressways), evacuations, and people and vehicles stranded on roadways. When it rains like this, our office is always flooded with calls. Right now we are experiencing an extreme number of requests from homeowners with flooded basements. Rest assured that we are working tirelessly to return all inquires.

Leaky basements can be a huge headache, and they pose a health risk when they are damp. You need to fix your cracked basement walls and foundation cracks before it becomes a bigger problem.For over 30 years Perma-Seal Basement Systems has been the Chicago's #1 basement waterproofing and foundation repair contractor. We can permanently seal and waterproof your basement and can solve all your wet basement problems.

Contact us today to learn more about basement waterproofing solutions or for your free basement inspection at 800-421-SEAL or visit us at //www.permaseal.net

For over 30 years Perma-Seal has been the leader in keeping homeowners’ basement walls and floors dry, now we’re excited to introduce a whole NEW LEVEL OF DRYNESS: the Active Moisture Management System.

Concrete walls and floors, once sealed and installed with an appropriate drainage system, are an effective barrier against seepage even during the heaviest of downpours. Moisture vapor however can still penetrate even the best concrete and cause excess humidity in a basement or crawl space. High humidity levels lead to mold, mildew, mustiness, and odors.

On June 1, 2009, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) began using an improved rating system, rating businesses based on letter grades A+ through F. The new letter grades replace the BBB’s previous “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” ratings.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems has been accepted as a BBB Accredited Business by the BBB of Northern Indiana. If a business has been accredited by BBB, it means that the Better Business Bureau has determined that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems is pleased to announce the opening of their newest office in East Dundee, Illinois, in an effort to provide better service to the Northern Suburbs and Chicagoland area. Between 2006 and 2007, an increase of over 35% in service needs was experienced in this area. Therefore, in an effort to reduce commute times and provide more scheduling flexibility, Perma-Seal opened its newest location at 1090 Rock Road in East Dundee, IL. This service facility will immediately house a staff of 12 employees and 4 trucks, with the potential for growth as the customer base continues to expand.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems of Downers Grove, IL is busy, busy, busy after last week’s rains, high winds, flooded streets and flooded basements. As of Sunday afternoon, Perma-Seal’s office staff had set more than 2,300 appointments for customers wanting to have their basements waterproofed to avoid further problems during the next rainstorm. The staff fielded more than 500 internet inquiries regarding flooding, waterproofing, and general requests for assistance from homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area.